In finals which are played as the best of three matches, the girls of the Association Sportive de Rivière-Salée won the first leg of the territorial basketball final last night against AS 6ème km (63-52) at the Anse-Vata sports hall. Among the men, AS Dumbéa beat Rivière-Salée by two points (60-58).
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They have found no solutions. Jean-Marc Delaveuve’s players suffered in the first match of the final against the Rivière-Salée arrows. The intention was clear: to use speed to puncture the defensive withdrawal and end the action quickly. The strategy worked, like the back Noémie Ounou, author of 24 points in the game. When her counter-attacks were unsuccessful, she was able to get free throws. And if neither option worked, there were still a few mid-range shots in his bag.
AS de Rivière-Salée also relied on the fine defensive presence of Leïna Durant in her racket, and that of Célia Puleoto under the opposing circle (15 points) to win logically 63-52. Deprived of several players who left for mainland France and its frame Alizée Lefranc, pregnant, the 6th failed to come back up to par. Zorena Adjouhgniope fought hard to recover offensive rebounds and score (14 points), well helped by Coralie Forest (14 points), but in vain.
On the men’s side, after a very tight match, AS Dumbéa won the first duel 60-58. His lack of skill never allowed him to take a sufficient gap. Ahau Fenuafanote kept Rivière-Salée in contact with his penetrations and outside shots. The next confrontation could still be very close.
We only put a small 3-point shot out of almost 20 attempts. We miss almost 20 points on shots below the basket, on the counterattack or on the offensive rebound. It does not reflect our level but it passes.
Benjamin Guy, coach from Dumbéen
The second match of these finals will take place on Tuesday, November 22, at the Anse-Vata sports hall.
The report by Martin Charmasson and Laurent Corsi
